September 29, 2016

September 29, 2016

Written by Maximus Peperkamp, M.S. Verbal Engineer

Dear Reader,

When we extend the methods of science to our spoken communication it is easy to forget that the distinction between Sound Verbal Behavior (SVB) and Noxious Verbal Behavior (NVB) was made possible by the ordinary conversation between scientifically informed communicators. The results of such an interaction is different from those obtained by politicians, philosophers, believers, poets, business people and artists.

I was able to gain knowledge about spoken communication just like a biologist, a chemist or a mathematician would; I studied this topic for years and read many books about it. However, the biggest difference between me and other researchers is that I have been and continue to be my own subject. The essence of the SVB remains concealed from most other scientists as they refuse to experiment on themselves.  

Without being one’s own subject behavioral scientists as well as other scientists will not be able to fathom the importance of the SVB/NVB distinction which clarifies what many ‘great’ thinkers have thought about, but were unable to figure out. My writings, my accumulated knowledge, are not science itself, but are the products of my science.

Although measurement instruments like video and audio recordings can be used for certain purposes, they are useless for when it comes to our spoken communication. If we want to know the SVB/NVB distinction we must begin to use our own voice and our own ears. Our own voices and our own ears are more important than the devices we have used that have improved our observation of our world. The science of spoken communication depends on how we speak and listen, on our attitudes.